Joe Jay Googoo

85 – Eskasoni

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, Samuel Joseph John ‘Joe Jay’ Googoo, 85 of Eskasoni, on March 17, 2015 at his home in Eskasoni.

Born in Nyanza, he was the son of the late John Samuel and Elizabeth (Sylliboy) Googoo of Whycocomagh. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

In his younger years, Joe Jay owned and operated several contracting businesses drywall, painting, housing, and worked many years in pulp contracting. He was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his work for the Eskasoni Band. He was also the caretaker for the Eskasoni Holy Family Parish, along with his good friend, the late Robert Shepard. Joe Jay was an extremely talented musician, playing the piano and guitar but his number one passion was his dearly beloved fiddle; making many friensainte anne des beaupréds across this country, especially in Cape Breton where he played with his best friend, the late Wilfred Prosper. Joe Jay also made his yearly pilgimage to Sainte Anne des beaupre by bus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and four months, Virginia (Denny) and his loving children, Bridget; Jetta, Allan (Mary); Anita; Charles (Tabitha); Carleen; Darren (Yvonne); Vernon (Sheila); Melissa; Andree (Ray) and Charles ‘Chuck’. He is also survived by his 32 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, godchildren, Douglas Denny, David Denny, Vivian Jeddore, Lawrence ‘Jibby’ Paul, Raymond Stevens and Kathleen Sylliboy and his nephews P.J. Doucette, Eskasoni; Dan J. Paul, Whycocomagh; nieces Brenda Prosper and Muriel Prosper, Whycocomagh.

He was predeceased by his son Reginald Googoo, brothers and sisters, Martha Prosper, Margaret Bernard, James Googoo, Frank Googoo, Levi Googoo, Hughie Googoo, Christopher Googoo, granddaughter Ally Googoo, great grandson Brady Joseph Jay Googoo in infancy, nephew Gordon Googoo and niece Gloria Googoo.

Joe Jay loved to go to the Maple Leaf Restaurant every morning for his breakfast; the family would like to thank the owner and staff for their kindness and friendship shown to him over the years.

Visitation for the late Mr. Googoo will begin after 12 pm on Monday, March 23 at the Gabriel Center, Eskasoni. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Wednesday at Holy Family Parish with Rev. Martin MacDougall officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery, Eskasoni.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com